Kody Brown’s Heartache: Regrets Over Son’s Death and Strained Family Bonds

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Content warning: This article includes mention of suicide. 

Kody Brown is looking back with a new perspective.

A year and a half since the death by suicide of Garrison Brown, the star of “Sister Wives” and his former wife, Janelle Brown, looked back on the intricate relationship they shared before this unfortunate event.

In the May 4 episode, Kody expressed to his wife, Robyn Brown, that things weren’t supposed to turn out this way outside their home. He said it was heartrending and shared his regret that he didn’t have the opportunity to properly set things right, especially not having a chance to bid farewell.

He went on, expressing his confusion about how to handle his loss. He feels compelled to act differently since he believes he could have spent more time with the deceased. Initially, he anticipated that they would have more time together.

Kody, who is a father to 18 kids with Robyn and his three previous wives – Meri Brown, Christine Brown, and Janelle – has experienced challenging relationships with the majority of his offspring. In fact, as reported by his ex-wife Janelle, it’s estimated that he struggles with around 90 to 95 percent of his children.

Garrison and his 23-year-old brother, Gabe Brown, experienced no change in their strained relationships with their father due to the strict rules enforced by Kody and Robyn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the family patriarch grapples with his grief, he has shared insights into how his views on past actions have evolved since then.

The 56-year-old expressed that all the stress and worries related to COVID and similar matters suddenly seemed trivial, leaving only a sense of sadness. He questioned how he could continue living, with every occasion like holidays and birthdays looming ahead.

As Kody, a lifestyle expert and loving father of five – Logan Brown, Madison Brush, Hunter Brown, and Savanah Brown, each at different stages of adulthood – I often find myself reflecting on the past, pondering what changes I could have made before Garrison’s passing. However, my dear loved ones constantly remind me to refrain from dwelling on such thoughts, as they can be detrimental to my present well-being.

In the latest episode, he shared with Robyn, “Many have advised me against it, ‘Avoid dwelling on the what-ifs,’ but I’m choosing to do so as it’s a crucial step in my thought process.

In his reflections, he pondered, “Could it be that if I’d reached out to him, or kept our connection stronger, could we have shared more experiences?

He expressed that it continues to leave him feeling sad, as he ponders if there was something that could have been different. Essentially, it’s those ‘what-ifs’, those thoughts about what might have been.

Janelle, who moved to North Carolina to be nearer to Madison, mentioned that staying engaged and keeping her thoughts distracted has become crucial during her grieving process. She pointed out that spending time with her grandchildren helps make things less difficult for her at 55 years old.

She continued, “It’s a moment-to-moment, hour-to-hour, day-to-day experience.” She explained that there are both positive and negative days, as well as moments, some of which are encouraging while others are challenging.

Read on for more insight into the current season of Sister Wives.

Kody Brown expressed his readiness to part ways with his first wife, Meri Brown, not long after they exchanged vows in 1990. However, as he put it, “Meri, when we move to Flagstaff, this will be an opportunity for a fresh start for us,” suggesting optimism about their 2018 relocation. Yet, Meri recalled during the Sept. 15 premiere, “He’d make me think things would change. This is just what he’s been doing for years.

She mentioned her primary concern as his poor communication, specifically about his true feelings, desires, and dislikes, along with the narrative he’s maintained over the years.

Kody admitted there might have been some confusing signals, but as he delved into tasks, he found himself questioning the reasons to do so, explaining, “I wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her at this moment.

Either way, Meri’s friends were thrilled when she finally pulled the plug in early 2023. 

She admitted, “They’re essentially saying, ‘We’re with you now, we’re here to help. And it’s high time,'” she revealed. Removing her blinders, she now realizes that for years he had been subtly encouraging her to leave by claiming he didn’t love her, “Since if I can be pushed out and depart on my own accord, then he won’t appear as the villain because he didn’t choose to walk away.

A number of years have passed since the family acquired a 14-acre plot of land they intended to construct on in Flagstaff, Arizona. In the season premiere, Kody admitted that he had grown tired of the dream and was considering letting it fade away. Since they hadn’t paid off the entire $820,000 cost (allegedly settled in 2023), he suggested to his remaining wife, Robyn Brown, “I’d prefer to either abandon it or sell it and then begin anew somewhere else.

As for Robyn, “I can’t talk about that,” she responded. “That is so not where I’m at.”

Initially, Janelle Brown had shared with TopMob News that they gradually grew distant from each other. However, it was Kody’s shortcomings in his parental role towards some of their children that eventually led her to part ways.

The mom shared with Logan Brown, Madison Brown Brush, Hunter Brown, Garrison Brown, Gabriel Brown, and Savanah Brown that the turning point for her was when his relationship with my kids deteriorated and he didn’t appear willing to go to great lengths to mend it. She added, “That’s what kept me here, but once I realized that, I thought, ‘Ah, that’s what I needed to let go of.’

In the November 3rd episode, Kody proposed the possibility of reconciliation, but for Janelle, it was an unyielding point.

She stated that it seemed impossible for her to make peace with him and allow him a relationship with her children. Instead, she will always prioritize her kids.

The reason Kody didn’t put more effort into repairing the strained relationships with some of his grown children, was what he shared as an explanation.

In the September 15th episode, he expressed his feelings of not belonging in the family anymore. Despite being legally married to Robyn and jointly parenting their five children – Dayton Brown, Aurora Brown, Breanna Brown, Solomon Brown, and Ariella Brown – he also maintains some connections with other children albeit infrequently. This leaves him feeling unsure about his role in the family, as it doesn’t seem like a traditional family unit to him.

Even though they’ve been genuinely monogamous for the first time in their 14-year marriage, Robyn admitted in the season premiere that things have been extremely challenging. “Things between us have been tough,” she said. “Kody doesn’t know who to blame – himself or one of his other wives. He feels a lot of rejection and I think he’s worried I might reject him too.

Consequently, she disclosed, “I’m always alert. I find myself constantly checking to ensure he isn’t undermining our relationship.” In her own words, she concluded: “The most challenging aspect is the lack of guidance when it comes to dealing with the fact that I’m married to a man who seems to be going through multiple divorces.

Meanwhile, Kody found himself grappling with a wave of self-doubt, expressing, “I just can’t bring myself to tell my reflection, ‘Hey there, pal. I adore you.’

In the October 27th episode, Robyn observed that her ex-sister wives were transitioning into a new phase of life. She remarked, “They’re all advancing,” which made her feel as if she was the one who wasn’t keeping pace.

Add Madison, daughter of Janelle’s eldest child, to the list of children who do not currently maintain a relationship with Kody. According to Janelle, there has been no communication between Maddie and her father during their premiere appearance. “She hasn’t spoken to her dad,” Janelle said. “Neither have they contacted each other, and there is no existing relationship between Maddie and Kody or Robin.” Essentially, she has distanced herself from both of them.

Janelle pointed out that Kody is not fully invested in his relationship with Maddie’s children, Axel, Evangalynn, and Josephine. She expressed that Kody should only have contact with them if he is prepared to make a firm commitment.

Consequently, in the September 22 broadcast, Janelle revealed that Kody had effectively ended communication with Maddie and her husband Caleb Brush when the family unit began to significantly break apart.

As for me, with Kody absent from our lives, Maddie has taken on a motherly role like no other, becoming more of a protective Mama Bear than ever before. In my eyes, she’s felt that until he can demonstrate consistency and avoid theatrics, it might be best for us not to engage with him at this point.

Additionally, Robyn mentioned that she’s been urging Kody to make amends, and she expressed, “It seems to me that the children ought to do the same.

Currently, Kody appears unwilling to mend the divide, expressing frustration that each conversation with his daughter seemed more like spreading gossip than genuine communication, which grew tiring for him.

During their 32nd anniversary celebration, Meri confided in her friend Brandi that “He seemed to hint at not having truly loved me and feeling as though our marriage was more of an obligation,” she explained. To this, Meri responded, “‘Kody,’ I said, ‘I know you did love me.’

And if he didn’t, the mom to Leon Brown said in a confessional, why did he ever propose? 

Why would a bachelor decide to marry a bachelorette if he doesn’t feel love for her initially? Isn’t it unfair or even cruel to select someone from many options and then claim, ‘I’ve chosen you as an experiment to try to make myself fall in love with you for the next three decades’?

In Kody’s private reflection, he stated: “Meri is making some allegations. Well, she can say whatever pleases her. I won’t respond to them.

Though, he would share that they never enjoyed a honeymoon period. 

On the October 20th episode, he emphatically stated, “Our marriage was in trouble from the start,” implying this because he shared stronger bonds with Janelle, Christine, and Robyn.

He acknowledged that he should have ended the relationship about 25 years back, but he hesitated due to fear, pointing out that leadership would not permit remarriage if one is repeatedly leaving spouses.

Despite being unsure whether to develop Coyote Pass or just sell it, Janelle realized that the first step was clearing the debt on the Arizona property. Since Kody refused to discuss the matter with her, she admitted to her former sister wife, Christine Brown (in the Sept. 22 episode), “I believe I’ll need legal representation.” She added, “It seems like it’s the only way I can possibly get any kind of decision out of him.

In her own words, Janelle admitted that since she doesn’t have a legally binding marriage with Kody, she has no legal grounds to lay claim to his property. Essentially, she explained that it’s not as simple as calling a lawyer for a divorce, because there is no legal marriage in the first place.

As a lifestyle advisor, I find myself in situations where trust becomes a crucial factor, and unfortunately, I’ve found myself in a predicament similar to Kody’s. In our discussion regarding the Arizona property, I’ve come to a point where I can no longer rely on Janelle’s words or actions. Trust is the foundation of any successful partnership, and its absence can lead to unnecessary complications. Therefore, I’ve chosen to approach this matter delicately, as I believe it’s best for both parties involved.

He firmly stated during the September 22 episode, “I’ll settle the property when necessary,” and he explained in a confessional, “I won’t share any details about my actions or anything else because I’m tired of revealing information that gets twisted by the rumor mill within our fractured family.

A bit of a pot calling the kettle black, Janelle said in her own interview. 

She confided, “He spills secrets as if he were a colander, and I found myself in disbelief when he shared details about his past relationships and multiple wives that I wasn’t supposed to know.

In the days when their affection for each other continued to grow instead of wane, they would combine all their funds in a single savings account.

In simpler terms, Janelle said during the September 22 broadcast that we would give our full support to one person first, followed by helping the other. This was how things were until around ten years ago. But now, it seems like everything is focused on personal wealth rather than communal well-being.

When Robyn required a house in Arizona, everyone contributed towards purchasing her spacious five-bedroom property worth approximately $1.65 million, which had been put up for sale in August.

Initially, Robyn stated that the property would benefit the entire family. However, when Janelle proposed that they all share the mortgage, she faced opposition. Kody responded, “No, no, we need to safeguard, you know, Robyn’s estate,” as recalled by Janelle. Now that she’s leaving the family, Janelle expressed her desire to receive her fair share of the Coyote Pass earnings and also recover some of the money she invested in Robyn’s house.

But that could be a tough sell. 

Robyn remarked, “After working side by side for such a lengthy period, it’s perplexing to me. Janelle mentioning she’s due money from them only adds to the puzzle. I can’t seem to wrap my head around it.

Discussing their inability to repay Coyote Pass, Janelle pointed out that Kody often mentioned having numerous other financial obligations. However, she’s observed him purchasing trailers and home decorations, stating, “I notice all the artwork on Robyn and Kody’s walls, I see all these items. And I get it, I too have spent money on things.” (In his defense, Kody stated that a significant portion of his funds were used for buying cars—”I essentially had a fleet”—and insuring their children.)

Janelle admitted she wasn’t privy to Kody and Robyn’s financial dealings, but she often marveled at the lavishness of Robyn’s backyard and the abundance of items in her home, expressing her astonishment with phrases like “Wow” and “Huh”.

Essentially, she expressed that he never seemed to focus on her needs or desires, which ultimately took its toll on her. Over time, even her grown-up children started expressing their frustration, asking something along the lines of “Why, Mom?

Instead, we could say: Following the breakdown of her first marriage, Robyn became more cautious with her finances.

She admitted during the September 22 episode that she hadn’t always been good with finances. Growing up, she faced tough times, and it was only during her divorce that she truly mastered budgeting skills. Regarding her sister wives, she noted they seemed to have allocated their money differently than she did, which was the main reason for the discrepancy.

Currently, as seen in the Sept. 22 episode, Janelle admitted that she and Meri, Robyn, and Kody, who are the parents of Aspyn Brown, Mykelti Brown Padron, Paedon Brown, Gwendlyn Brown, Ysabel Brown, and Truely Brown, don’t interact much when they gather with their families. She doesn’t anticipate this situation changing significantly in the near future.

Speaking fondly about the period when they owned four houses on a single cul-de-sac in Las Vegas, Kody remarked, “It was the best phase of my life. Everything ran smoothly, and it was wonderful to have Maddie and Caleb nearby. I truly cherished Caleb – he felt like family to me.

However, discord arose in Arizona regarding coronavirus safety measures, which ultimately led to a breakdown of situations. Similarly, when his marital unions disintegrated, he lamented that the connection with his children deteriorated as well, stating, “It simply caused all those relationships to turn bitter.

But Christine insisted their were issues well before she announced she was leaving in late 2021. 

She mentioned during the September 22nd broadcast, “The children who felt frustrated were already feeling that way long before I departed.” She further added, “Leaving had no impact on their relationship with him; Kody still has the opportunity to mend his relationships with his kids.

Though it’ll definitely take some work. 

Kody expressed his feelings, saying, “I’ve been deeply hurt by the way I’ve been treated and it’s hard for me to move past that. To clarify, I won’t accept blame for actions my wife or ex-wife is accusing me of. I can only hope that one day the resentment will fade, allowing us to find forgiveness and love once more.

At the ages of 21 and 19, Kody and Meri had only a modest relationship when they got married spiritually and legally. Over time, they ended up filing for divorce in 2014 so that Kody could adopt Robyn’s three older children from her previous marriage legally.

In our marriage, she appeared quite different to me, and I believe there were some issues from her past (or “baggage”) that I wasn’t aware of. At first, I thought I could cope with it. However, he expressed that the relationship was filled with conflicts, stating, “I can’t thrive in a situation where she is persistently upset with me.

Despite his desire to depart, he found himself unable to do so. Kody, a man in a plural marriage, explained that if one wishes to remain faithful and devoted to their faith, divorce is not an option. Consequently, he was unable to escape this relationship. However, he didn’t necessarily yearn for an exit; instead, he sought to understand if there was a possibility of salvaging and mending the relationship.

Due to the conflicting signals, he admitted that Meri believed they could resolve their issues. However, whenever they were together, Kody stated that she was neither pleasant nor entertaining, nor considerate or intriguing. Essentially, he expressed feeling uninterested and bored with her.

He acknowledged that it might seem like Meri was left behind, but he emphasized that none of them forced him out; instead, Christine, Janelle, and Meri were the ones who decided for him to depart from our shared home.

Despite the fact that neither Janelle nor Christine perceived it necessary to legally divorce Kody, Meri sought and obtained a formal separation from him through their church – a process known as a “release” – towards the end of 2022.

In the September 22nd episode, she clarified that all four of us had entered into a church covenant with Kody when we married him. Although it’s impossible for all of us to be legally married, we referred to it as such. Since we aren’t pursuing any future marriages and he doesn’t wish to be bound to me forever, I believe it’s time to completely sever this connection.

Kody appeared unwilling to accept the notion, mentioning that she didn’t want to recognize or submit to the power held by the church leaders.

Kody expressed that the harm inflicted was so severe that reconciliation is no longer an option, regardless of circumstances. He further stated that he doesn’t wish to answer to this church or its complications when it comes to being accountable to God. Therefore, he intends to let Meri take care of her own affairs because if he remains angry at her, it would lead to arguments. Essentially, he feels that she should leave because it has taken her a long time to acknowledge that their issues are settled and over for years.

The holiday gift exchange conversation for the 18 Brown family members in 2021 became very contentious, as Christine described it. “Matters took a turn for the worse,” she explained. “Kody, Robyn, and their children formed one group who had no interest in engaging with Janelle, me, or our kids. Following this text conversation, there was a division that ensued.

According to Robyn, her older children expressed that the interaction felt uncomfortable for them and decided it would be best to distance themselves temporarily from their relationship. However, she emphasized that they didn’t mean to cut ties completely or express a desire to avoid her altogether. Instead, they were simply communicating that things had become awkward.

For his part, Gabriel is hoping that they could find their way back to each other. 

He admitted during the October 13th episode that what he desires most is rebuilding a connection with Robyn’s children. In middle school, Aurora was his preferred companion, and in high school, he frequently tried to reach out to Dayton. However, he isn’t optimistic about forging a relationship with their father and Robyn.

Aurora asserted that she had been repeatedly informed, by various individuals and under different circumstances, that she was not welcomed as part of the family when her mother married Kody in 2010. She emphasized that they did not view her as their sister and never considered her in such a way.

Her sister Breanna expressed that she believed the parents might have made more efforts to foster our family bonding, but unfortunately, that never materialized.

But Christine isn’t sure how they could have opened their arms any wider.

Robyn’s children and Robyn are always welcome to join any event,” she emphasized. “In other words, they can feel free to drop by our house whenever it suits them.

Speaking as a lifestyle expert, let me share an interesting aspect of my family dynamics. My dear daughter, Ysabel Brown, has formed a special bond with Robyn’s children. In fact, Mykelti Brown Padron lived with them for a while. During those times, we faced challenges and my kids might have felt a bit frustrated at times, but they always viewed Robyn’s children as their siblings without any distinction.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Janelle described plural marriage as offering “an extraordinary family structure where you’re not only deeply connected to one spouse but also part of a larger, supportive community. You enjoy a fulfilling relationship with your husband while maintaining your independence. To me, this setup in plural marriages is truly advantageous.

Kody, however, wouldn’t say “I do” to polygamy again.

In his view, shared during the December 1st broadcast, polygamy hinders emotional intimacy. He explained that it often causes everyone involved to become guarded, and what he truly desires is an emotionally open, intimate relationship with a woman, which is challenging to achieve within a polygamous arrangement.

According to Janelle, Kody found it more challenging to split his affection when the family moved from Las Vegas to Arizona in 2018.

In the September 29th episode, it was observed that Kody found living in Flagstaff more manageable for him to be away. On occasion, she mentioned having to remind him to visit her home. He’d often avoid by claiming exhaustion, but she pointed out, “I understand you’re tired, but you can rest just as much at my house as you do at Robyn’s.

In simpler terms, Janelle stated, “My kids were reprimanded for opening Robyn’s refrigerator,” which signifies the sense of distance her children felt with Robyn. On the other hand, Christine’s children felt excluded because “they realized that Robyn and their father were a couple, but he wasn’t living in our household.

And Robyn said her crew definitely felt the divide. 

She mentioned during the September 29th episode that Meri accepted her children and herself readily, whereas the rest of the family found it difficult to accept them. All they desired was to become a part of this family.

However, Gabriel might contend that he and his brothers and sisters had made considerable efforts to welcome them into their group.

In the October 13th episode, he expressed his belief that Robyn might be dealing with a sense of being a victim, put simply. He didn’t imply she was at fault for this. Instead, he suggested that each person tends to develop unique strategies to navigate their lives effectively.

To clarify, I find it hard to conceive of a situation where she genuinely thinks we were mistreating her or her children while receiving favoritism from Dad and actively trying to build a connection with them. If she harbors such beliefs, then reestablishing a relationship with Robyn seems impossible for me.

During a September 29 broadcast, Kody openly discussed how moving between four households impacted his eighteen children. He provided an example of this when their youngest child, Ariella (born in January 2016), became emotional and held onto him as he attempted to depart, underscoring the emotional connection they share due to these household transitions.

In my own words, I shared with her, “There’s another wife and mother who require my attention, other children who need to see me.” She was clinging to me, crying, “Don’t abandon me, Daddy, don’t leave me.” It was a challenging situation for me.

Unfortunately, that’s just a reality of plural marriage, insisted Janelle. 

She clarified from the start, her children were aware that their father wouldn’t always be present. I’ve often felt that Kody and Robyn mishandled the situation regarding their children. He couldn’t stay away for more than three or four days as Ari gets so upset. To me, it seemed like poor parenting. Throughout family history, the other kids have handled such absences, and they’re well-adjusted adults now.

Among the not many children from the Brown family, Mykelti maintained relationships with Robyn, Kody, Christine, and Janelle. During Kody’s divorces, she stepped up as a mediator, helping to keep the peace within the family.

From the moment Robyn stepped into the Brown household, I felt an immediate connection with Mykelti. So much so, that she graciously invited me to be present at the birth of her twin boys in November 2022 – Archer and Ace. What a precious moment it was to share in their arrival!

During the September 29th episode, Mykelti expressed that when Robyn became a part of our family, I was still trying to discover myself. She made me feel unique and understood, she was present when I needed someone. She was there when I required someone to listen to me, to cherish me.

Christine couldn’t have been more delighted when Robyn joined their family and developed a strong bond with Mykelti. As she expressed on the Oct. 6 episode, “When I dreamed of having a multi-family, I hoped my children would form close relationships with other mothers. And seeing that become a reality is everything I wished for.

Kody believes it’s not just his wives who have chosen to exclude him from their lives; he thinks they are deliberately doing so as a form of retribution for a crime he didn’t commit, according to what he shared during the October 6 episodes. In his own words, he feels he is being punished because he didn’t fall deeply in love with their mothers.

What’s more, he continued, he think his former spouses are a bit to blame. 

He mentioned that the strain in his relationships with his kids is primarily due to negative remarks against him. He explained that there’s a swirling feeling of disillusionment following the family’s separation, and it often feels as though he’s being blamed for the situation.

However, although he carries some responsibility for the situation, he strongly objects to the derogatory remarks. In fact, when asked about his relationship with Hunter, Maddie, and Gabriel, Kody admitted that one of his children had responded negatively to a text message by saying, “You are worthless. I wouldn’t talk to you again even if I tried.

In another occurrence, he expressed to the cameras, “One of my children recently said to me, ‘You’re a jerk. I won’t speak to you ever again. You’ve manipulated me and brainwashed me.’

I’ve been a die-hard fan for far too long, and it’s that venom he’s not ready to confront. I’ve said it before, ‘I can’t keep reaching out indefinitely.’ I feel they, the adults, should take more responsibility in resolving the issues at hand. I’m game if he is, but someone else needs to step up and meet me halfway too.

For Robyn, watching Kody’s estrangement from his adult children hit far too close to home. 

She shared during the Oct. 6 episode that her parents divorced when she was young. At that time, her father lived with another woman in a different city, while her mother lived on her own. She vividly recalls questioning her biological father about their separation, asking why he wasn’t around during her childhood years. Instead of providing answers, he offered weak explanations which left her feeling let down.

Instead of letting Kody’s wounded feelings hinder his efforts, she made it clear that she was struggling not to lose a bit of respect for him, as expressed during their heated confrontation caught on camera towards the end of 2022.

Even though Kody admitted that he could take more steps to repair his bond with his children, he emphasized that healing his own heart is crucial before making any progress in their relationship.

He expressed his frustration by stating, “Some of my children seem to be ganging up on me. I find myself so enraged over the situation that whenever I interact with them, I fear they might provoke me with a criticism. At the moment, I’m too emotional and may only end up causing more harm.

Although many members of their family were present at Logan’s wedding to Michelle Petty in October 2022, there was a noticeable lack of affection or warmth among them.

In the October 6th episode, Kody expressed his displeasure to Robyn, stating that he noticed Madison swiftly removing her children from his presence. He mentioned that his daughter hadn’t informed him about her third pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of their daughter Josephine in February 2023. Essentially, he said, “She didn’t tell me she was expecting a child.

Frankly, Maddie doesn’t tell her dad much of anything with the two rarely speaking.

To put it bluntly, I’ve got to say that Maddie has no relationship with Kody, as I’ve made clear. You see, my girl is incredibly vigilant when it comes to her kids, and she’s simply not comfortable with the idea of him showing up unannounced. It’s been over three years since Evie was born, and Kody hasn’t been around since then. So, Maddie didn’t want this stranger, who claims to be her grandpa, surprising her kids like that. They wouldn’t recognize him, and it could have caused a lot of confusion for them.

Kody expresses that it’s impractical for grandparents to always be involved in their grandchildren’s lives, using Maddie as an example who resides in North Carolina. He explains this further by stating that if one moves their children across the country, maintaining constant contact can be challenging, given his commitments and lifestyle in Flagstaff.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel deeply engaged in the complex dynamics between Kody and his grown-up kids, who seem to be at odds due to their estrangement. One thing that seems to fuel this divide is Kody insisting on some form of apology, or what he perceives as a recognition of wrongdoing, from his children.

Following the end of the COVID-related concerns, we returned to our usual routines, but the family was unable to reconcile. This is according to Janelle, who stated that her sons felt compelled to apologize, particularly to Robyn, for an issue that had arisen. She explained further that after this situation escalated, they simply needed to have a conversation with her. (Oct. 13 episode)

In Janelle’s words, Kody was upset because he believed his children hadn’t remained faithful to him, and added that the most cherished member of their family had been disregarded or treated poorly, which she found unacceptable. Her response was, “Well, Kody, whatever you say.

Gabriel echoed a similar perspective, narrating an exchange with his father. “He persistently implied that I owed him an apology,” he explained to Janelle. “After some time, I responded, ‘Unless you’re genuinely prepared to establish or mend our relationship, we won’t be speaking anymore.’ A few days later, he contacted me again through text. He said, ‘Hey, I’ve been pondering over what you’ve been saying. I forgive you, Please forgive me too.’ My response was, ‘Forgive me for what exact incident?’

Among the six children Kody has with Janelle, he primarily maintains contact only with his youngest, Savanah. He doesn’t get together with them often, but approximately every two months or so, they’ll speak on the phone and meet up. The other children, however, don’t seem to have a strong bond with him. This was shared by Janelle during the episode that aired on October 13th.

Regarding Savannah, who completed high school in 2023, it is her perception that her four elder brothers have assumed a paternal role in her life. In fact, Savannah has admitted to Janelle that she would eventually ask her siblings to escort her during her future wedding.

In conversation with Savannah, she expressed, “It seems clear to me now; this is simply the type of father he will be – one who joins us for fun but may not always be present. I understand and accept him as he is.

Janelle, however, is less forgiving. 

She expressed her frustration towards Kody, saying, ‘I can’t help but feel disheartened.’ She has witnessed similar situations in the past. Many women she has collaborated with have gone through divorce, only to find that the children’s father disappears from their lives.

Initially, when tensions arose between them, “Gabriel found it particularly difficult as Kody often invited Gabriel along on business trips,” according to Janelle. She went on to explain that Kody had been an extremely involved father, but this changed over the last few years.

Although Gabriel is puzzled about what might have caused his father’s anger, during the Oct. 13 episode, he stated, “I told Dad that if he doesn’t change and refuses to accept responsibility, then I won’t visit him anymore, and I’m completely fine with that decision.

Janelle expressed this thoughtfully: “He finds comfort knowing his father isn’t a part of his life, and I wish the same for all my children. I believe they are gradually understanding this too.

For his part, Kody also seems resigned to the situation. 

In a personal reflection, I express my sincere regret for the feelings Gabriel holds towards me. I’ve made numerous attempts to connect with him, yet each time, I’ve been met with rejection. However, I want to emphasize that this wasn’t due to any lack of effort on my side.

In late 2022, Meri was the one who ended her relationship with Kody, formally severing their bond within their faith, which they refer to as a “release,” based on allegations of abandonment.

On the October 13th show, she commented that he dislikes that specific term as he feels he didn’t abandon her, but rather it was she who felt deserted by him.

To put it another way, she believes he neglected her significantly, only to have an opportunity to claim innocence once she chose to depart.

And Kody didn’t totally deny that he had a bit of a strategy. 

He admitted he had moved on a while back, but felt apprehensive about confronting her directly. You see, Meri hadn’t been loyal to him, not once. That was his main concern. It’s all about reputation, really – when you go through a divorce, your reputation can take a hit.

Instead, alleged Meri, it was hers that was being tarnished. 

She remarked, “It’s truly disheartening that Kody is discussing our marriage in such a manner. It seems as though his perspective on our relationship has shifted, yet the things he’s telling others about me don’t align with reality, and unfortunately, they appear to be believing him.

Before Christina parted ways with Kody, it became apparent that they were not well-suited for each other based on a suggested exercise from their marriage counselor in Las Vegas.

In my ardent pursuit of finding a life partner who aligns perfectly with my desires, I penned down a checklist that included a great communicator, someone deeply involved in our family life, and someone who finds me irresistible. Unfortunately, Kody fell short on all counts as I disclosed during the October 20th episode. “The list was his to claim,” I admitted, “But he confessed, ‘I’m not any of those things for you.’ I retorted, ‘No, dear, you aren’t.’

The letter played a significant role in helping her realize swiftly that David Woolley was the right person for her.

She enthusiastically shared that family holds the utmost significance for the single-handed father of eight, who owns a reputable drywall business. Known for his sincerity and authenticity, he is an exceptional communicator.

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2025-05-05 07:39